Ageism and moral distress in nurses caring for older patients

This study explored the influence of healthcare ageism on nurses' moral distress. Episodic interviews were conducted on 25 Romanian nurses in 2020. Thematic analysis revealed that all moral distress sources reported reflected macro-, meso- and micro-level ageism, benevolent and hostile, self- or other-directed, including stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination of older patients. The COVID-19 pandemic-related ageist measures increased healthcare ageism and transformed nurses' representations of older patients accordingly. Nurses felt moral conflict both when passively witnessing ageist acts and when perpetrating them to adhere to group norms, highlighting the need to combat ageism for both patients' and nurses' well-being.

Social stigma against individuals with COVID-19: scale development and validation.

Background: Social stigma toward individuals with COVID-19 is a public phenomenon that significantly impacts the prevention of this disease. The study aimed to develop and examine the scale of social stigma against people with COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2021 using random sampling. Two hundred twenty-five people were involved in the study. All people are domiciled in Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia and have never been infected with COVID-19. The scale was designed based on the dimensional structure of social stigma and then evaluated the scale's psychometric properties. Result: The study found that instruments with 12 items had a content validity index of 1.0. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.875 showed as satisfactory. Exploratory factor analysis was performed on the first sample (n = 100), and four factors were extracted from the exploratory factor analysis: ignorance/labelling, stereotype, separation, and discrimination. Following this, the confirmatory factor analysis in the remaining sample (n = 120) showed a good fit between the four-factor model and the theoretical model of social stigma. Conclusions: The social stigma scale has been determined to be valid and reliable. Health practitioners can use this scale to predict social stigma toward individuals with COVID-19 to develop better transmission prevention strategies and improved quality of care.

Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Related Stigma: Portuguese Patients Experiences.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB)-related stigma has been well-documented. Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), different organizations have been alerted to the fact that stigma could arise again. Due to stigma's negative effects, this qualitative study aimed to explore the stigma felt by patients by evaluating the following: COVID-19 stigma and its temporal progression through the pandemic; stigma perceived by different patients with TB before and during COVID-19 pandemic; and difference perceived by individuals who contracted both diseases. METHODS: A semi-structured interview was developed according to the available literature on the theme. It was performed individually in 2022 upon receiving signed informed consent. Participants were recruited with a purposive sampling approach by searching medical records. Those who currently or previously had pulmonary TB and/ or COVID-19 were included. Data were subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Nine patients were interviewed, including six (66.7%) females. The median age of patients was 51±14.7 years. Four participants (44.4%) had completed high school and four (44.4%) were never smokers. Three had both TB and COVID-19. Four only had TB and two only had COVID-19. Interviews identified eight main themes: knowledge and beliefs, with several misconceptions identified; attitudes towards the disease, varying from social support to exclusion; knowledge and education, assumed as of extreme importance; internalized stigma, with self-rejection; experienced stigma, with discrimination episodes; anticipated stigma, modifying actions for avoiding stigma; perceived stigma, with judgment by others prevailed; and temporal evolution of stigma. CONCLUSION: Individuals expressed strong stigma for both diseases. De-stigmatization of respiratory infectious diseases is crucial for limiting stigma's negative impact.

Racial bias in perceptions of disease and policy

Narratives about Africa as dark, depraved, and diseased justified the exploitation of African land and people. Today, these narratives may still have a hold on people's fears about disease. We test this in three (pre-COVID-19) experiments (N = 1,803). Across studies, we find that participants report greater worry about a pandemic originating in Africa (vs. elsewhere). In turn, they report greater support for travel bans and for loosening abortion restrictions. We then document these narratives in an archival study of newspaper articles of the 2015–2016 Zika pandemic (N = 1,475). We find that articles were more negative—for example, they included more death-related words—if they mentioned Africa. Finally, we replicate the experimental results within the COVID-19 context, using a representative sample (N = 1,200). Taken together, the studies make clear that reactions to pandemics are biased, and in a way consistent with historical narratives about race and Africa. © The Author(s) 2022.

Nursing Students' Perception about Gender Inequalities Presented on Social Networks: A Qualitative Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, gender inequalities in nurses have been exacerbated through the images shown on social networks. This study aimed to explore and describe nursing students' experiences and perceptions about gender inequalities in nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive qualitative study was carried out in two universities in 264 undergraduate nursing students. The photovoice method was used to guide the study. Results: Two main categories and four subcategories were described from the data: "gender-related stereotypes", with "male leadership in a female profession" and "sexualization of female nurses" and "women's vulnerability in the pandemic" with "the gender gap in the face of increased risk of contagion " and "women's emotional fragility". Over the years, care has been considered a female task, and nursing continues to be thought of in this way. The nurse has been discriminated against, poorly considered as a professional, and, as a woman, subjected to gender roles.

COVID-19 perceived stigma among survivors: A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors.

Background and objectives: Perceived stigma related to infectious diseases is of public health importance and can adversely impact patients' physical and mental health. This study aims to identify the level of perceived stigma among COVID-19 survivors in Qatar and investigate its predictors. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was employed. Four hundred and four participants who had a positive COVID-19 PCR test were randomly selected from medical records. The selected participants were interviewed to collect sociodemographic and health-related information. Perceived stigma was assessed using the COVID-19 perceived stigma scale-22 (CPSS-22) that was developed by the researchers. A descriptive analysis followed by a bivariate analysis investigated possible associations between the perceived stigma levels and independent variables. A multivariable analysis was performed using logistic regression to identify any significant associations with perceived stigma. The validity and reliability of the developed tool were also tested. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 perceived stigma was twenty-six percent (n=107, 26.4%) at 95% CI [22.4-30.4]. Factors associated with higher COVID-19 perceived stigma were male gender, being a manual worker, non-Arabic ethnicity, low educational level, living alone, and being isolated outside the home. However, only occupation, ethnicity, and low educational level predicted COVID-19 perceived stigma in multivariable analysis. The CPSS-22 showed excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.92). Conclusion: Perceived stigma was relatively common among participants. Designing programs and interventions targeting male manual workers and those of low-educational levels may assist policymakers in mitigating the stigma related to COVID-19.

Philippine English Modules During Covid-19 Pandemic: Its Gender Sensitivity and Responsiveness

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the manifestations of gender bias in DepEd Secondary English Modules. The distribution of characters and the occurrence of gender bias have been determined in self-learning modules (SLMs). In this research, both quantitative and qualitative methods of content analysis were used. These strategies were applied using the methodology given by Brugeilles and Cromer in their paper Analyzing Gender Representations in School Textbooks. The DepEd Region V English Self-Learning Modules for grades seven through ten were used in this research as part of the K-12 curriculum. It was discovered that there was a gender imbalance in secondary English SLMs along with pictures and text;females were underrepresented as men were represented twice in the modules;gender stereotyping was found to have the highest percentage of the four categories of the manifestations of gender bias, which is alarming to women who may feel that they have less value in society. The absence of women in occupations dominated by males demonstrates their inadequacy and dependence on men. The pedagogical implications of gender-responsive education must thus be emphasized, particularly in the new educational standard. It is advised that policies in Philippine schools be reexamined in order to determine their effectiveness. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business & Education Research is the property of Future Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

PHYSICIAN TRENDS IN GERIATRICS PATIENT CARE DURING COVID-19 IN KSA

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM/QUESTION: Ageism is a system of stereotyping and of discrimination against a certain age group, but commonly referred to older adults. Often observed in many different fields including the health care system. Health care professionals can hold an explicit discrimination in their practices in the aspect of screening, procedures and treatment decisions, which can lead to negative impact on the health and well-being of an older adult. This behavior was noticed during COVID-19 pandemic, which raised concerns if age should be considered in creating protocols and policy to help triaging patients in need of certain level of care particularly noticed in situations needing intubation. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM/INTERVENTION: A three part online questionnaire was used, link was sent via emails and social media along with a consent link. 1. Demographics: Age, gender, marital status, nationality, region of residence, education, profession, specialty, geriatric education, experiece in treating or personally taking care of elderly. 2. UCLA- Geriatric scale. Study population were primary care residents, geriatric fellows and faculty. The attitudes towards theelderly are stated in a positive or a negative way. Answers are on a scale of 1- 5 ranging from strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, and strongly agree when the statement is positive. The negatively worded items score are reversed when calculating the total score. Maximum score of the scale is “65”, minimum score is “13”. As the score increases, positive attitude relating to the elderly discrimination increases. All items were assessed for suitability and compatibility with the Saudi culture. 3. Questions about practice change after COVID crises towards elderly worded negatively and positively with a scale of agreement from disagree to agree. Scoring will be as per UCLA- Geriatric scale, Maximum score is “35”, minimum score is “7' MEASURES OF SUCCESS: In addition to educational talks and workshops, Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Training Program in Saudi Arabia started recently, which will increase awareness of the health care povide rs to hold a positive attitude in the care of the elderly population, ultimately impacting their well-being. FINDINGS TO DATE: N=119 Higher positive attitude seen in: Saudi vs non-Saudi responents Masters / Doctorate and Residency/Fellowship respondents vs MBBS Geriatric Medicine respondents vs Family Medicine and Others Geriatrics subspecialists vs non Geriatric specialists Physicians treating patients aged 65 years and over Always (>3 per week) vs Often (1-3 per week) or Never/Sometimes ∗1-3 per month) More results and data will be available. KEY LESSONS FOR DISSEMINATION: Discrimination between patients based on age only was gaining attention with the spread of COVID 19 pandemic, and there is little research that has been conducted to evaluate the attitude of health care provides who are on the frontline providing care to the most vulnerable and frail older adults.This was suggested that it might be due to the influence of culture that promotes respect and appreciation of the elderly.

The Pandemic and the "Perpetual Foreigner": How Threats Posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic Relate to Stereotyping of Asian Americans.

We examined the "othering" of Asian Americans in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given past evidence that pathogen-related threat perceptions can exacerbate intergroup biases, as well as salient public narratives blaming the Chinese for the pandemic, we assessed whether individuals experiencing a greater sense of threat during the pandemic were more likely to apply the "perpetual foreigner" stereotype to Asian Americans. Over a seven-week period, we recruited 1,323 White Americans to complete a measure of the perceived Americanness of Asian, Black, and White targets. Asian targets were consistently perceived as less American than White targets, across variations in subjective health threat and regional case counts. The direct and indirect connections of political ideology to the observed patterns were examined, revealing that White participants who blamed China for the pandemic were more likely to apply the perpetual foreigner stereotype to Asian Americans. These results indicate that the othering of Asian Americans is pervasive among White Americans and that variables related to social conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic can predict the potency of this association.

"But at the age of 85? Forget it!": Internalized ageism, a barrier to technology use.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how everyday information and communication technology (EICT), such as online banking, e-shopping, or e-mail, are essential for individuals of all ages to maintain activity engagement, health, and well-being. Yet, older adults are often stereotypically portrayed as incapable, technophobic, or unwilling to engage in EICT. This may further contribute to the digital divide, as age stereotypes have the power to act like self-fulfilling prophecies and impede older adults' engagement in complex everyday life tasks. This study aimed to shed light on internalized ageism as manifested in older non-users' narrations about EICT use. It further explored how age stereotypes in the context of EICT are constructed and perpetuated through disempowering and ageist environments. A qualitative approach was applied, performing semi-structured interviews in participants' homes (N = 15). Data were analyzed following the principles of qualitative content analysis, applying both deductive categorization and inductive coding. Internalized ageism appeared to be an omnipresent element in older adults' narrations about EICT non-use. This was reflected in the four subcategories "competence and learning", "relevance and use", "technology design", and "intergenerational contact". Ageism, as manifested in the social environment and the design of technology, seemingly contributed to the internalization of age stereotypes and low EICT engagement. This research calls for inclusive technology designs, ageism-free EICT learning settings, and awareness campaigns about lifelong learning to help close the digital divide and ensure optimal aging experiences for older people.

Understanding Perceived Age-Based Judgement as a Precursor to Age-Based Stereotype Threat in Everyday Settings.

Test conditions eliciting negative stereotypes of aging among older adults can prompt age-based stereotype threat (ABST), which results in worse performance on cognitive and memory tests. Much of this research explores ABST as a phenomenon that impacts the performance of older adults. Little is known about the experience of ABST beyond performance settings and how it manifests in everyday contexts across different age groups. Gaps also remain in understanding the wider impacts of ABST, such as effects on task motivation and engagement. The current research addresses this by exploring the contexts in which age-based judgement, a theorized precursor to ABST, occurs across a wide age range of participants. The two studies in this paper present mixed-methods survey data for a total of 282 respondents aged 18-84 years. Study 1 presents a thematic analysis of open-ended responses to identify the stereotypes and settings that underpin perceived age-based judgement. The settings and stereotypes identified are discussed in relation to which contexts lend themselves to adverse ABST effects. Study 2 then asked respondents to rate the extent to which they experience threat-based concern within 12 contexts identified from Study 1. Results indicate differences in threat-based concerns between young, middle-aged and older adults for physical activity, driving, using public transport, using technology, in leadership and relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The studies provide a foundation for future research to investigate (1) the motivational and behavioural consequences of threat-based concerns for younger adults' driving and leadership, and in the context of the pandemic; (2) cues to 'old' age stereotypes and threat-based concerns among late middle-aged adults within the workplace; (3) the role of broad stereotypes of 'incompetence' and being 'past-it' on middle-aged and older adults' engagement with technology and physical activity and (4) potential ABST effects resulting from stereotypes of older people as a burden and a problem in the context of a national crisis. Overall, this research extends our understanding of ABST by identifying further contexts and age groups that could be impacted by a wider range of ABST effects.

From "Coffin Dodger" to "Boomer Remover": Outbreaks of Ageism in Three Countries With Divergent Approaches to Coronavirus Control.

OBJECTIVES: This article compares responses to coronavirus control in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, 3 countries in which public ageism erupted over the social and economic costs of protecting older adults from Covid-19. METHODS: Thirty-five (35) newspapers, media websites, and current affairs magazines were sourced for the study: 8 for Australia, 12 for the United Kingdom, and 15 for the United States. Searches were conducted daily from April to June 2020, using key words to identify age-related themes on pandemic control. RESULTS: Despite divergent policies in the 3 countries, ageism took similar forms. Public responses to lockdowns and other measures cast older adults as a problem to be ignored or solved through segregation. Name-calling, blame, and "so-be-it" reactions toward age vulnerability were commonplace. Policies banning visits to aged care homes angered many relatives and older adults. Indefinite isolation for older adults was widely accepted, especially as a vehicle to end public lockdowns and economic crises. DISCUSSION: Older adults have and will continue to bear the brunt of Covid-19 in terms of social burdens and body counts as the pandemic continues to affect people around the globe. The rhetoric of disposability underscores age discrimination on a broader scale, with blame toward an age cohort considered to have lived past its usefulness for society and to have enriched itself at the expense of future generations.